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ProblemsByVinFile / 2018-CHRYSLER-PACIFICANHTSA data synced 3 days ago
Chrysler
2018 Chrysler Pacifica problems
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has 825 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 4 active recall campaigns.
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has 825 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 196 complaints, typically surfacing around 27,231 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2018 Pacifica?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
7 fire-related complaints and 4 crash-related complaints on the electrical system
Steering: 149 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 7,950–55,000 mi
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2018 Chrysler Pacifica VAN FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2018 Chrysler Pacifica? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
electrical — 196 owner reports
· tends to show around 27,231 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 182 owner reports
· tends to show around 31,885 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
steering — 149 owner reports
· tends to show around 36,742 mi · ~$700 to fix
powertrain — 142 owner reports
· tends to show around 27,219 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 27,231 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2018 Pacifica· steering
The steering becomes stiff or seems to get stuck when between 10 or 11 o'clock position. It appears to be slowly deteriorating. It has not been reported yet and no warning lights showing. It does not yet stop the vehicle from being in control. It has been noticed over last year…
The car shifts really hard going into 2nd gear, it feels like I've been rear-ended. It is awful. Also sometimes it loses power then accelerates on its own. Both issues are safety issues. this happens several times a weeks for the last 3 years.
Vehicle was at red light when started to smell something burning then smoke from the hood and vents inside the van. Then when the hood is popped tithe flames got worse. The fire started on the right rear side of engine compartment around the radiator reservoir.
While driving on the freeway, the van suddenly started to ‘drag’ and alarm that the start/stop system was unavailable. I was barely able to pull off the freeway before the van completely stopped moving and would not start up again.
Had a problem with your 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica hybrid vehicles
A control arm separation could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front knuckle and lower control arm for damage, replacing the components as necessary. The right front lower control arm knuckle pinch bolt will be replaced with a larger-diameter pinch bolt. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V15.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles
If the axle shaft disengages from the CV joint, the vehicle will have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right halfshaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U80.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles
If the MPR is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle could roll away striking and injuring a bystander or cause a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MPR plug, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U50.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 825 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
On the NHTSA data, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 7 fire-related complaints and 4 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Steering: 149 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 7,950–55,000 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 196 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 27,231 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 825 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 27,231 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 196 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 27,231 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 27,231 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chrysler Pacifica has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 825 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Chrysler/Pacifica.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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